The council are working in partnership with Re-cycle, a charity which fixes up abandoned bikes and then sends them to third world African countries.
Abandoned bicycles on the streets of Richmond-upon-Thames will soon be getting a new home in Africa to help third world families have an easier life.
The council are working in partnership with Re-cycle, a charity which fixes up abandoned bikes and then sends them to third world African countries to help poor families.
Sending bikes to Africa enables people to cycle, rather than walk, the daily four-hour journey to provide food and water for their families.
Council spokesperson Greig Box Turnbull said: “We think that what the work Re-Cycle do is a fantastic, and that it was a great thing to do with the abandoned bikes that we can’t get back to their owners.”
When a bike is found by the council an attempt is made to trace the owner, but if nobody comes forward within a month, then the bike is put into storage.
The bikes used to be sent to a tip or recycling centre, but now, with Re-cycles help, they are being put to a better use.
This is the second time the council have teamed up with Re-cycle, who have sent 40,164 to Africa since 1998.
Over the last year the council have collected almost 50 bikes that have been abandoned or stolen to send off.
In 2010 the council and Re-cycle sent a container of more than 40 bicycles to Ghana from Twickenham.
Broken or damaged bikes were then repaired at Isis Young Offenders Institute in East London, before being sent off.
“We are thrilled to be able to play our part in this superb charity project for a second time in as many years,” said Cllr Virginia Morris, Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment.
“I’m extremely proud we can help those less fortunate than ourselves in other countries by teaming up with re-cycle.”
As well as recycling abandoned bicycles, Re-cycle also accept bikes that are no longer wanted and spare bike parts.
They are currently working with Action Bikes which has become a drop off point for old bike donations.
The next container of bikes is set to be transported on 7th May – if you have a bike you would like to donate please visit: http://www.actionbikes.co.uk/shops.html
Residents can donate their bikes at the Action Bikes branch in Whitton which is taking part in the scheme.
Find your nearest drop of centre on the Re-cycle website (http://www.re-cycle.org/).
Follow us on Twitter @SW_Londoner
